Field Dave - Broken Wings

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Zumaya Publications
www.zumayapublications.com

Copyright 2002 Shadoe Simmons

First Published December 2002

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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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"No! The harsh exclamation was rife with fear as Matte watched the Vulture troupes alight into the sky. She had been too late, too slow in weeding out the scouts Edgar had left within the forest, and now Dearn and his men were in danger.

There was only one sentry left to take out. Only one of the Cinder-damned whoresons and he had spotted the Clans and called the alarm before she could get to him. God's take him, Matte cursed as she sighted the Vultures now taking to the air.

Body braced, she started to lift her wings, and fly in aid, but was caught securely from behind before she could move to do so.

Twisting, turning, Matte fought the hard hands holding her down, determined to kill the man daring enough to keep her from the battle.

No Matte! Stovar's voice halted her frantic struggles as he held her back, keeping her grounded. You fly up there to help them and Edgar will have the rest of our Clan killed before they know what's happened."

He was right. By the gods, he was right, but she had to do something, she couldn't stand idle while they killed Dearn.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

ISBN: 1-894869-83-4

Cover art and design by Martine Jardin

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by Zumaya Publications, 2002

Look for us online at: www.zumayapublications.com

For Stacey, who harassed and begged until I wrote Dearn's story.

For Beth, who with Stacey read chapter by chapter and encouraged me each step of the way.

For Lue Anne, just for being there,

and Tracy who always has been.

In memory of my father, Russell, who endured endless nights of a pecking typewriting, and a little girl's dreams.

But most especially for my husband and my son, whose belief in me, and whose enriching presence in my life makes it all worth it.

In the middle of the room, grinning evilly in the flickering light of the thick candle on the small altar, where the statues of the gods were displayed, stood the nightmares of the past, the vilest creatures ever known to the Winged Clans.

Ralnd, who had rushed in behind her with sword raised, lowered it as the daggers pressed dangerously into the throats of their three babes. Their daughter cried out in desperation, her tiny wings fluttering in terror against the black-garbed chest of the human who held her. The twins, Aaroen and Gable, were silent, desperate to appear brave. She saw their fear, but also their belief that Papa would save them.

Vulturesblack wings dull, as though dirt and oil coated their feathers, large stocky bodies with their thick muscular arms pinning her sons against their chests. They watched her with narrowed, leering eyes, their evil grins tight and promising long-nourished retribution.

Gods, this is not possible, Ralnd whispered as his sword was jerked roughly from his hand.

One of the Vultures crossed the room. His black eyes were malevolent, his expression cold and cruel.

All things are possible. Is this not what your White Lance priests teach you? he sneered.

The Vulture Clan had been destroyed centuries ago and sent into the bowels of the Seven Hells. How had such an evil breed been brought back from extinction? And why had they once again aligned themselves with the human, demon-worshipping Elitists?

Ralnd pulled her close to his chest; but the warmth of his body, the strength she knew it contained, could do little to comfort her. The Vulture and human force numbered too many, and the tales of old rushed back to her with sickening clarity. Their brutality was remembered well, despite the centuries since their defeat.

What do you want? We have nothing of value within the aerie. You know that such things are stored in the Fortress. Mera heard the vein of fear in her husband's voice and it caused her knees to weaken. That tone, added to the tearful pleas of her daughter, was more than she could bear.

Too bad. The leader of the Vultures scanned Ralnd with contempt and loathing. And here we so hoped such practices had changed in the centuries we've been gone."

Please. Mera could not keep the terror from her voice. Please let the children return to their rooms. They are of no threat to you."

The black gaze, flat and devoid of compassion or warmth, turned to her now. Mera watched, trembling as those eyes went over her body, scantily clad as it was in the thin nightgown. She flinched at the cold smile that edged those narrow lips as he paused to survey her breasts. She wanted to scream, to rail at the fates and the gods above that these creatures had chosen her aerie to invade.

It was too late for railing, too late to scream or to plead; but she knew she would do both before the night was finished.

She's right, the children pose no threat to you, Ralnd said, his voice soft and reasonable. Let them return to their room. They are just babes."

Mera whimpered as the dagger dragged lightly over her daughter's throat and the child's eyes widened in growing terror. Dania was so frightened she could not even cry now. Shock glazed her eyes, and she trembled with her terror.

We could do that. The leader cast a look to one of his brothers. Stand silently and still while you are restrained, then we'll send the babes on their way."

Mera felt Ralnd tense. The thought of being restrained, unable to fight or fly in the event of deception, was more than he could bear, she knew. But the jagged whimpers of the babes did what nothing else could have. He nodded shortly.

They were tied with practiced skill, their hands twisted behind their backs beneath their wings and bound with rope. Mera's eyes stayed on Dania's, fighting to offer hope, though she sensed there was no hope left.

The Vultures moved behind the humans, watching, their eyes flat and emotionless.

Let the children go now, Ralnd reminded them.

The smirk that curved the leader's face sent a tear falling from Mera's eyes. Evil, dark and cruel defined that harsh slash of a smile.

Not yet, but soon. He moved closer, his eyes glittering; and she could not contain her harsh cry as he touched her cheek. She jerked backthe vile smell of his body was more than she could bear, and she nearly gagged at the stench. His eyes narrowed, and a gleam of fierce anticipation colored his expression.

Release the children, my friends, he said softly.

For a moment Mera thought they meant to keep their word as each child fell to the floor. Then she screamed, agony washing over her in waves.

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